Oscillatory switch with improved rotor cam mechanism



p 6, 1966 R. F. WINOGROCKI ETAL 3, ,531

OSCILLATORY SWITCH WITH IMPROVED ROTOR CAM MECHANISM Filed NOV. 19, 19642 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTORS Roy F Winogrocku By Walter T. Stoi A TTORNEVSP 6, 1966 R. F. WINOGROCKI ETAL 3,271,531

OSCILLATORY SWITCH WITH IMPROVED ROTOR CAM MECHANISM Filed Nov. 19, 19642 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTORS Roy F Winogrocki Walter "E 810i BY Ma -M M AT TORNEVS United States Patent 3,271,531 OSCILLATORY SWITCH WITHIMPROVED ROTOR CAM MECHANISM Ray F. Winogrocki, East Detroit, and WalterT. Stoi,

Warren, Mich., assignors to Boyne Products, Inc., De-

troit, Mich., a corporation of Michigan Filed Nov. 19, 1964, Ser. No.412,422 11 Claims. (Cl. 200-6) This invention relates to an oscillatoryswitch construction and more particularly to a switch having selectivelyengageable and disengageable contacts for multiple circuits and whereinthe operation of the several circuits is controlled by an oscillatoryoperating member.

An object of this invention is to provide an oscillatory switch havingshiftable blades and wherein the engagement and disengagement of theblades with selected fixed contacts is effected with a snap action,thereby avoiding or minimizing the deleterious eifects of arcing,pitting, and the like.

Another object of the invention is to provide an oscillatory switchhaving a rockable, multiple circuit operator and in which rocking of theoperator in either one of two directions eflects operation of a selectedcircuit without affecting any other circuit.

A further object of the invention is to provide a rotary switch having arockable operator for multiple circuits and in which movement of theoperator to effect operation of a selected circuit isolates the operatorfrom all other circuits, thereby precluding the possibility of a shortcircuit.

Another object of the invention is to provide a switch having anoscillatable operating member and wherein the operator is positivelybiased to a centered, neutral position for operating movements in eitherof two directions.

A further object of the invention is to provide a switch of the kindreferred to and which is composed of relatively few parts, therebyfacilitating assembly of the switch and minimizing failures.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will be pointed outspecifically or will become apparent from the following description whenit is considered in conjunction with the appended claims and theaccompanying drawings, in which:

FIGURE 1 is a transverse sectional view of a switch constructed inaccordance with the invention and illustrating the movable parts thereofin an operated or adjusted position;

FIGURE 2 is a view similar to FIGURE 1, but illustrating the movableparts in their neutral or inactive positions;

FIGURE 3 is a sectional view taken on the line 3-3 of FIGURE 2 andillustrating the rotor biasing means;

FIGURE 4 is a sectional view taken on the line 44 of FIGURE 2 andillustrating the several positions of adjustment of the oscillatableoperator;

FIGURE 5 is an end elevational view of the switch as it appears whenviewed in the direction of the arrow a in FIGURE 2;

FIGURE 6 is a View similar to FIGURE 5, but illustrating the oppositeend of the switch, certain parts of the apparatus illustrated in FIGURE2 being omitted from FIGURE 6 in the interests of clarity;

FIGURE 7 is an exploded view of the operating rotor and a portion of thecasing; and

FIGURE 8 is an inverted, perspective view of the operating rotor.

A switch constructed in accordance with the invention is especiallyadapted for use in conjunction with the operation of a reciprocablemember such as the rear win- 3,271,531 Patented Sept. 6, 1966 dow of astation wagon vehicle, for example, wherein the window may be adjustedto any one of a large number of selected positions, but it should beunderstood that the switch construction is applicable to any other usewhere a wide range of adjustment of a reciprocable member is desirable.

The disclosed embodiment of the switch comprises a casing 1 formed ofmetal or any other suitable material and having a generally cylindrical,hollow housing portion 2 and a mounting portion 3 separated from oneanother by a partition 4 which forms a base for the housing 2. Thepartition 4 is provided with a cylindrical opening 5 for a purposepresently to be explained. At the end of the housing 2 opposite thepartition 4 is supported a disk or cover 6 formed of suitable insulatingmaterial, the wall of the housing 2 being staked or otherwise clampedagainst the cover 6 as is indicated at 7 in FIGURE 5.

Mounted within the housing 2 is an oscillatable rotor or operatingmember 8 formed of suitable insulating material and having a molded,disk-like body 9 from one side of which extends an upstandingcylindrical post 10 having a reduced end portion 11 which is rotatablyreceived in a socket 11a formed in the inner surface of the cover 6. Onthe same side of the body 9 as the post 10 is a pair ofcircumferentially spaced, upstanding abutment members 12 and 13 whichpreferably are integrally molded with the body 9.

From the opposite side of the rotor body 9 extends a generallycylindrical post 14 having a reduced end portion 15 that is rotatablyreceived in the opening 5 formed in the partition wall 4. The post 14 isprovided with a blind bore 16 terminating at its open end in anelongated, transverse slot 17. Adjacent the post 14 the inner surface ofthe body 9 is provided with an arcuate slot 18 terminating at its endsin substantially radially extending walls 19 and 20. As is best shown inFIGURE 7, the confronting surface of the partition 4 is provided with anarcuate cage 21 having substantially radially extending walls 22 and 23at its opposite ends.

When the rotor 8 is assembled within the housing 2, the slot 18 shouldbe so arranged as to overlie the cage 21. As is best shown in FIGURE 2,the arrangement is such that the rotor 8 is capable of rotation relativeto the housing 2 without interference between the respective ends of theslot 18 and the cage 21.

Means is provided for biasing the rotor member 8 to a centered orneutral position relative to the housing 2 and comprises a cylindricalcompression spring 25 which is received within the cage 21 with itsopposite ends abutting the walls 22 and 23. The diameter of the spring25 is greater than the height of the walls of the cage 21, therebyenabling the spring to project into the slot 18 with the opposite endsof the spring abutting the walls 19 and 20. The spring 25, therefore,reacts between the casing 1 and the rotor member 8 so as constantly tourge the latter to a centered position in which the recess 18 overliesthe cage 21.

Any one of a number of different kinds of activating devices may beutilized for eifecting rocking movements of the rotor member 8. Forexample, a hollow housing 26 may be fitted into the mounting member 3and be retained therein by spring pressed bolts 27 accommodated in slots28, the housing 26 receiving a tubular barrel 29 in which a lockcylinder 30 is rotatably accommodated. The cylinder 30 includes a tang31 at its inner end that is received in the slot 17. The arrangement maybe such that the insertion of a key 32 in the lock cylinder 30 willenable rotation of the latter, whereupon the tang 31 will effect rockingof the rotor 8 in either of two opposite directions from its centered orneutral position.

In the disclosed embodiment, the cover 6 has secured thereto a pair offixed rivet-like contacts 34 and 35 which may be connected by powerlines L-1 and L-2, respectively, to a source of electrical energy.Spaced from the contacts 34 and 35 is a second pair of similar fixedcontacts 36 and 37 which are co-planar and extend through the cover 6and are joined to one another externally of the cover by a bus bar 38.Secured to the contact 37 and in electrical engagement therewith is aconductor L-3 which may be connected to a terminal of an electric motoror other device to be operated. Also secured to the cover 6 is anotherpair of co-planar, fixed rivets or contacts 39 and 40 which respectivelymay be connected by conductors L-4 and L-S to other terminals of themotor or other device to be operated.

The inner surface of the cover 6 is provided with a thickened, arcuateportion 41 through which the rivets 39 and 40 extend. Secured by therivet 39 is a short, electrically conductive bar 42 to the free end ofwhich is secured a contact 43. A similar bar 44 is secured at one end tothe rivet 40 and is provided at its free end with a contact 45. The bars42 and 44- are so arranged that their respective contacts 43 and 45 aresubstantially in axial alignment with the contacts 36 and 37, but are inspaced planes as is best shown in FIGURES 1 and 2.

Means is provided for bridging the contacts 34 and 35 and selected onesof the other fixed contacts and comprises a pair of flexible bridgingmembers or blades 46 and 47 formed of beryllium copper alloy or othersuitable conductive, springy material. One end of the blade 46 isanchored to the inner surface of the cover 6 by the contact 34, theother end of the blade being free and being provided with a contact 48interposed between the contacts 36 and 43. Between its ends, the blade46 is provided with an offset cam portion 49 for a purpose presently tobe explained.

The blade 47 is similar to the blade 46 and is anchored at one end tothe contact 35 and carries at its other end a contact similar to thecontact 48 and which is interposed between the contacts 37 and 45. Anoffset cam portion similar to the part 49 is provided between the endsof the blade 47.

The construction and arrangement of the parts in the disclosedembodiment of the invention are such that, when the rotor member 8 is inits centered or neutral position, the flexible bridging blades 46 and 47bridge and engage the contacts 34, 43 and 35, 45, respectively. See FIG-URE 2. In these positions of the parts, the cams or abutments 12 and 13on the rotor are free from engagement with the cam surfaces 49 formed onthe respective blades 46 and 47. The carn surfaces, however, lie in thepath of rocking movement of the abutments.

When it is desired to operate the switch, the rotor 8 may be rockedagainst the force of the spring 25 in either direction from its centeredposition by rocking of the key 32 or other actuator. If the rotor 8 isrocked in a clockwise direction, as viewed in FIGURE 4, the abutment 12will engage the cam surface 49 and shift the blade 46 out of engagementwith the contact 43 and into engagement with the contact 36, as isindicated in FIGURE 1. The leading edge of the abutment 12 is fairlysharp and, as is indicated in FIGURES 1 and 2, the cam surface 49 has arather abrupt rise. Consequently, movement of the blade 46 between thecontacts 43 and 36 is effected by a snap action.

As long as the rotor 8 is held in rocked position, the abutment 12 willmaintain the contact 48 in forcible engagement with the contact 36. Uponrelease of the key 32 or other actuator, the spring 25 will restore therotor to its neutral position, thereby effecting disengagement betweenthe abutment 12 and the blade 46. The springiness of the blade 46,coupled with the abruptness of the cam surface 49 and the leading edgeof the abutment 12, will enable the contact 48 to snap into engagementwith the contact 43.

Rotation of the rotor 8 counterclockwise, as is viewed in FIGURE 4, willeffect shifting of the blade 47 out of engagement with the contact 37and into engagement with the contact 43 in the same manner previouslydescribed in connection with the movement of the blade 46.

Regardless of the direction in which the rotor 8 is rocked, only one ofthe blades 46 or 47 will be shifted. The cam or abutment that effectsshifting of the other blade will be rocked in a direction away from thecam 49, thereby precluding simultaneous shifting of the blades 46 and47.

The disclosed embodiment is representative of a presently preferred formof the invention, but is intended to be illustrative rather thandefinitive thereof. The invention is defined in the claims.

What is claimed is:

1. A switch construction comprising a casing; a plurality of spacedapart, fixed contacts supported by said casing in spaced planes; atleast one bridging contact supported by said casing for movement betweensaid planes to positions in and out of engagement with selected ones ofsaid fixed contacts; a rotor member rotatably mounted in said casing formovement from a first position to any selected one of a plurality ofother positions; biasing means reacting between said casing and saidrotor member and constantly urging the latter to said first position,said biasing means being yieldable to permit rotation of said rotormember from said first position to any selected one of said otherpositions; and means carnied by said rotor member for engaging saidbridging contact and moving the latter from one of said positions to theother in response to movement of said roltor member.

2. A switch construction comprising a casing; a plurality of spacedapart, fixed contacts supported by said casing in spaced planes; a rotormember rotatably mounted in said casing for movement from a firstposition to any selected one of a plurality of other positions; biasingmeans reacting between said casing and said rotor member and constantlyurging the latter to said first position, said biasing means beingyieldable to permit rotation of said rotor member from said firstposition to any selected one of said other positions; abutment meanscarried by said rotor member and movable therewith; at least onebridging contact supported by said casing for movements between saidplanes to positions in and out of engagement with selected ones of saidfixed contacts; and means carried by said bridging contact and locatedin the path of movement of said abutment means for engagement with thelatter, engagement between said abutment means and said bridging contactcarried means effecting movement of said bridging contact from one ofits said positions to the other.

3. A switch construction comprising a casing; a plurality of spacedapart, fixed contacts supported by said casing in spaced planes; a rotormember rotatably mounted in said casing for movement from a firstposition to any selected one of a plurality of other positions;yieldable means reacting between said casing and said rotor member andurging the latter to said first position; abutment means carried by saidrotor member and movable therewith; a flexible bridging contact mountedin said casing for movements between said planes to positions in and outof engagement with selected ones of said fixed contacts; and cam meanscarried by said bridging contact and located in the path of movement ofsaid abutment means for engagement with the latter in response tomovement of said rotor member from said first position to any selectedone of said other positions, engagement between said abutment means andsaid cam means effecting movement of said bridging contact.

4. A switch construction comprising a casing; a plurality of spacedapart, fixed contacts supported by said casing in spaced planes; a rotormember rotatably mounted in said casing for movement from a firstposition to any selected one of said other positions; yieldable meansreacting between said casing and said rotor member biasing the latter tosaid first position; nonconductive abutment means carried by said rotormember and movable therewith; a flexible, resilient, conductive bridgingmember mounted in said casing for movement from a first position inwhich it bridges selected ones of said fixed contacts in one plane to asecond position in which it bridges selected others thereof in anotherplane; and cam means carried by said bridging member and located in thepath of movement of said abutment means, engagement between saidabutment means and said cam means effecting movement of said bridgingmember from said first position to said second position.

5. A switch construction comprising a casing; a plurality of spacedapart, fixed contacts supported by said casing in spaced planes; a rotormember rockably mounted in said casing for movements in oppositedirections from a first position to either of two operating positionslocated respectively on opposite sides of said neutral position;yieldable means reacting between said casing and said rotor member andconstantly biasing the latter to said first position; a pair of abutmentmembers carried by said rotor member and movable therewith; flexiblebridging means supported by said casing for movements between saidplanes to positions in and out of engagement With selected ones of saidfixed contacts; and means carried by said bridging means and located inthe path of movement of said abutment members for engagement thereby inresponse to movement of said rotor member from its said first positionto either of its said operating positions.

6. A switch construction comprising a casing; a number of fixed contactssupported by said casing in substantially aligned but spaced apartplanes; flexible bridging means interposed between selected ones of saidcontacts for engagement therewith; a rotor member rockably supported bysaid casing for oscillation; cooperable cam means on said flexiblebridging means and on said rotor member operable to effect movement ofsaid bridging means between said selected ones of said contacts inresponse to oscillation of said rotor member; means for oscillating saidrotor member; and yieldable means reacting between said casing and saidrotor member and constantly biasing the latter in one direction of itsoscillatory movement.

7. The construction set forth in claim 6 wherein said cooperable cammeans comprise an abutment supported on said rotor member foroscillation therewith and an oflset portion formed in said bridgingmeans in the path of oscillation of said abutment.

8. A switch construction comprising a casing; at least one elongated,flexible bridging member anchored at one end to said casing, the otherend of said bridging member being free; a pair of substantially alignedcontacts supported by said casing in spaced planes and between whichsaid free end of said bridging member is interposed, said free end ofsaid bridging member normally being in engagement with one of saidcontacts; a rotor member supported by said casing for rocking movementfrom a first position to a second position; cam means on said bridgingmember and on said rotor member operable in response to movement of saidrotor member from said first position to said second position to flexsaid bridging member and move the free end thereof from engagement withsaid one of said contacts into engagement with the other of saidcontacts; means for rocking said rotor member to said second position;and spring means reacting between said casing and said rotor member forbiasing the latter to said first position.

9. A switch construction comprising a casing; a pair of elongated,flexible bridging members anchored at corresponding ends to said casingand being free at their other ends; a pair of substantially alignedcontacts supported by said casing in spaced planes adjacent the free endof each of said bridging members, the free end of each of said bridgingmembers being interposed between its associated pair of contacts; arotor member rockably supported by said casing for oscillatory movementin either of two directions from a neutral position; cooperable cammeans on each of said flexible bridging members and on said rotor memberoperable to flex said bridging members between said planes in responseto oscillation of said rotor member; means for oscillating said rotormember; and yieldable means reacting between said casing and said rotormember and constantly biasing the latter to said neutral position.

10. The construction set forth in claim 9 wherein the free end of eachof said bridging members is in engagement with one contact of itsassociated pair of contacts when said rotor member is in its saidneutral position, and wherein rocking of said rotor member in eitherdirection from said neutral position effects engagement of the free endof one of said bridging members with the other contact of its associatedpair of contacts.

11. The construction set forth in claim 9 wherein said cam meanscomprises a pair of abutments supported on said rotor member formovements therewith, and an olfset portion formed on each of saidbridging members and respectively located in the path of movement ofsaid abutments.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,266,153 12/1941Bluemle 200-11 2,511,069 6/1950 Lawson et al. 20011 X 2,542,088 2/1951Krieger 200-66 2,868,906 1/1959 Soreng 20011 X 2,896,041 7/1959Schwaneke 200-68 X 2,970,199 1/1961 Dull et al. 200-11 X 3,035,1345/1962 Hults 20067 3,198,893 8/1965 Maplesden 200-6 ROBERT K. SCHAEFER,Primary Examiner.

KATHLEEN H. CLAFFY, Examiner.

J. R. SCOTT, Assistant Examiner.

1. A SWITCH CONSTRUCTION COMPRISING A CASING; A PLURALITY OF SPACEDAPART, FIXED CONTACTS SUPPORTED BY SAID CASING IN SPACED PLANES; ATLEAST ONE BRIDGING CONTACT SUPPORTED BY SAID CASING FOR MOVEMENT BETWEENSAID PLANES TO POSITIONS IN AND OUT OF ENGAGEMENT WITH SELECTED ONES OFSAID FIXED CONTACTS; A ROTOR MEMBER ROTATABLY MOUNTED IN SAID CASING FORMOVEMENT FROM A FIRST POSITION TO ANY SELECTED ONE OF A PLURALITY OFOTHER POSITIONS, BIASING MEANS REACTING BETWEEN SAID CASING AND SAIDROTOR MEMBER AND CONSTANTLY URGING THE LATTER TO SAID FIRST POSITION,SAID BIASING MEANS BEING YIELDABLE TO PERMIT ROTATION OF SAID ROTORMEMBER FROM SAID FIRST POSITION TO ANY SELECTED ONE OF SAID OTHERPOSITIONS; AND MEANS CARRIED BY SAID ROTOR MEMBER FOR ENGAGING SAIDBRIDGING CONTACT AND MOVING THE LATTER FROM ONE OF SAID POSITIONS TO THEOTHER IN RESPONSE TO MOVEMENT OF SAID ROTOR MEMBER.